New chapter of Plant Magic Lord is out! (2/2 chapters)

 

 

Crimson Soup

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

At the Grand Cathedral.

From today, the official preparations for the event began in earnest, and the preliminary gatherings and parties also entered full swing. The luncheon, therefore, was crowded with people. For Stella, this was a relief, as the buffet-style arrangement meant she could freely choose her own meal.

Since it was daytime, the vampires were, as usual, dressed in full-body costumes.

“Piyo. There are so many people again today, piyo.” (Dia)

“The entire venue seems even more dazzling than before.” (Audrey)

Audrey, who was holding Dia in her arms, explained.

“They said that from today onward, the number of visitors will increase dramatically.” (Clarissa)

Clarissa, who was holding Marcosias, added.

“Even those who are not exhibitors will be able to attend. Was it called a buyer?” (Clarissa)

“That is correct.” (Marcosias)

Marcosias gave a firm thumbs-up, while Audrey continued to stroke Dia’s feathers. Stella felt that a good sense of friendship had developed among them.

“Hm? Leia has arrived.” (Marcosias)

Sniffing the air, Marcosias made the remark.

“I see. She is approaching from that direction.” (Stella)

Stella’s extraordinary eyesight caught sight of Leia entering the venue. She wore a pale yellow dress adorned with white patterns, completely different from her usual adventuring outfit.

“Piyoo, how beautiful, piyo.” (Dia)

“Y-yes, she is.” (Audrey)

Audrey stammered because, atop Leia’s head, there was once again a cockatrice-shaped hat. Dressed almost entirely in shades of yellow, Leia looked even more like a cockatrice from a distance.

“A legitimate cockatrice dress, it seems.” (Marcosias)

“Y-yes, I believe so.” (Clarissa)

Clarissa appeared uncertain about how to comment. Leia seemed to notice them and began walking briskly in their direction. The vampires present, however, showed no particular reaction. After all, when they themselves were wearing costumes, who among them would criticize someone for a hat? Vampires were, by nature, quite tolerant regarding attire.

“Good afternoon, I am so glad we can finally greet each other.” (Leia)

“Please, think nothing of it.” (Stella)

“Piyo. The bright yellow looks wonderful, piyo.” (Dia)

“Thank you very much. I had this made specially for today.” (Leia)

Thus, Stella and her companions exchanged a few light words.

At that moment, Ignat entered from the venue’s entrance, pushing a mobile table laden with food. Upon it rested several silver soup bowls, each filled with a deep crimson liquid that shimmered as it moved.

Ignat raised his voice to address the hall.

“My friends, this is our family’s Crimson Soup. Please enjoy it to your hearts’ content.” (Ignat)

The words were few, yet more than sufficient. At once, the vampires surged toward the Crimson Soup.

“Piyo, what tremendous enthusiasm, piyo.” (Dia)

“Crimson Soup… that is a traditional vampire dish, is it not?” (Stella)

The materials Stella had read confirmed as much. It was said to be a soup made by stewing tomatoes, shrimp, scallops, and other seafood.

“Yes. Among our traditional dishes, it holds a particularly special place.” (Nana)

The speaker was Nana, appearing in costume. Behind Nana were several waiter-piyos, each carrying a bowl of Crimson Soup.

“I have brought the Crimson Soup for you. In a way, you are more than mere guests.” (Nana)

“Thank you, piyo.” (Dia)

“Thank you very much.” (Stella)

Once everyone had received a serving, Nana began her explanation.

The soup was accompanied by a spoon, as proper etiquette required it to be consumed in that manner. Dia and Marcosias moved atop the table, eager to begin.

“The Crimson Soup was first created by a king who led a pioneering expedition. In his despair, with only withered tomatoes at hand, he made this dish. For us, it is a meal that recalls an age of hardship.” (Nana)

“I see. So that is why it is simmered for so long?” (Stella)

“Yes. It must be cooked for no less than half a day, and it contains a generous amount of spices.” (Nana)

As its name suggested, the soup was vividly red and emitted a rich aroma of spices. Nevertheless, the spices were not an issue, for elves also used them liberally.

“The main ingredients are shrimp and scallops. Of course, each noble family tends to add its own variation.” (Nana)

Indeed, as Nana said, pieces of shrimp and scallop floated among the ingredients.

“It looks delicious.” (Marcosias)

Marcosias sniffed the air. The combined fragrance of seafood, spices, and tomato filled the surroundings.

“Yes, let us taste it.” (Stella)

“Let us eat, piyo.” (Dia)

Each took a spoonful and brought it slowly to the lips. The soup carried a pleasant acidity and a faint spiciness, while the rich flavors of shrimp and scallop pierced through the tongue.

“This is delicious.” (Stella)

“It tastes wonderful, piyo.” (Dia)

Even Audrey, who usually disliked vegetables, nodded approvingly.

“It is tomato soup, but somehow different.” (Audrey)

“Yes, it is more like a seafood soup.” (Clarissa)

“It is so good. Wait…” (Marcosias)

Marcosias, who had been drinking enthusiastically, was the first to notice something.

“Monyu monyu monyu.” (Marcosias)

He moved his mouth as if chewing something resilient, continuing for a while.

“What is it, piyo?” (Dia)

“Monyu monyu, gulp. There was something I could not chew.” (Marcosias)

Leia seemed to have encountered the same ingredient.

“Monyu, monyu.” (Leia)

After swallowing, she frowned slightly.

“Could this be…” (Leia)

At her words, Nana nodded.

“Ah, you noticed? Come to think of it, in Zanzas they also eat that, do they not?” (Nana)

Stella also chewed the same ingredient and soon understood.

“This is Puzzle Mushroom.” (Stella)

“Correct. That is the right answer.” (Nana)

Nana smiled cheerfully as she lifted her spoon and sipped the soup. Even in costume, the master of the suits had no trouble drinking.

“One of our ancestors once defeated the Puzzle Mushrooms. They were quite tough to eat, so he began including them in Crimson Soup to make them edible.” (Nana)

“I see, piyo.” (Dia)

It seemed that Dia, too, had found a piece of Puzzle Mushroom.

*Monyu monyu*

“Actually, many families include Puzzle Mushrooms in their soup. It is a dish from the age of hardship, after all.” (Nana)

“I understand. It has become a tradition, then. Monyu monyu.” (Stella)

*Monyu monyu. Monyu monyu*

“Gulp, piyo. This is strange, piyo.” (Dia)

“Do you like it?” (Nana)

“Yes, the flavor has soaked in deeply, piyo. And this soft, springy texture feels nice, piyo.” (Dia)

For Dia, it was her first encounter with food that could not easily be chewed. It felt somewhat like gum. There was something addictive about its texture, and Marcosias seemed to think the same.

“It is refreshing. The flavor has fully permeated, and it tastes wonderful.” (Marcosias)

As Dia continued drinking the soup and softly chewing, her wings fluttered with delight.

“It would be nice if we could drink this soup at home too, piyo.” (Dia)

“Yes, when we return to the village, shall we gather some?” (Stella)

For Stella, it was hardly a difficult task.

“Truly, piyo?” (Dia)

Yet Dia did not know.

At that very moment, Elt and his companions were fighting the Puzzle Mushrooms themselves.

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)